The All Progressives Congress on Friday expressed confidence that it would win the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State to produce the 26th governor from the party nationwide.

The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, stated this at a national campaign rally for the party’s governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, in Onitsha.

Yilwatda, who handed over the party’s flag and symbol, the broom, to the candidates, described the APC as a “messenger of hope.”

He said change was possible in Anambra, expressing optimism that the party would “uproot APGA” from the state in a few days.

“We have only 196 hours for APGA to end its reign in Anambra. In eight days, there will be no governor in Nigeria that will bear the name APGA,” he declared.

The APC chairman said the state, known for its commercial vibrancy, had lost its place in business under the current administration, with many youths left jobless.

According to him, “the roads and schools in the state need to be fixed.”

He added that the nation’s economy had improved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that Anambra would fare better under an APC-led government.

“Anambra is too important in Igbo land to leave in the hands of opposition.

“We are taking it back in eight days,” he stated.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the state “will no longer be alone,” stressing that it was time for Anambra to join the ruling party.

“My message in Anambra today is to let you know that you shall not walk alone.

“Ndigbo henceforth shall never walk alone. They will be at the centre,” Akpabio said.

He described the APC, led by President Tinubu, as a “mother hen, spreading his wings and covering his children in Nigeria,” adding that the South-East Development Commission would empower and rebuild the region.

The Senate President urged the Igbo, whom he described as “enterprising,” to vote massively for the party that would offer them greater political opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, its Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended party supporters for their peaceful conduct during the rally despite the rainfall.

“APC is not known for violence, so as you go about your campaign in this election, I want you to shun violence, conduct yourselves and give INEC freehand to conduct the election.

“There will be a free and fair election and nobody will stop you from casting your votes,” Uzodimma said.

He assured party supporters that their votes would count and that security agencies would ensure their safety.

“We are here to protect democracy. We will be better if our democracy is protected,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that APC stakeholders had earlier paid homage to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, who offered his blessings to the candidates before the rally. (Saturday PUNCH)